Health Matters

The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins

By Sheyna E. Gifford / August 30, 2018

Many people take vitamins, even if they may not really need them. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that half of U.S. adults take vitamin supplements on a regular basis. One demographic that clearly benefits from daily nutritional supplements is women, especially before, during, and just after pregnancy. But why are prenatal vitamins so important? It helps to know exactly how they're benefiting you, especially if you're pregnant or are close to someone going through pregnancy.

Key Ingredients

At a minimum, prenatal vitamins should contain two things that mothers-to-be and growing babies especially need: folic acid and iron. Folic acid decreases the chance that a baby will be born with spina bifida, a series of birth defects that affect parts of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. The CDC states that up to 50 percent of spina bifida cases can be prevented simply by taking enough folic acid. It suggests that all women who could become pregnant consume at least 0.4 milligrams, or 400 micrograms, of folic acid per day, the recommended daily allowance for both adult men and women. All prenatal vitamins should provide this, but be sure to double-check the label, and take this supplement every day if pregnancy is a possibility for you.

Iron is included in prenatal vitamins because pregnant women are especially at risk for iron deficiency, or anemia. Anemia simply means lacking in blood. Within a few months, expectant mothers transition from carrying enough blood for one person to having enough for two. This is so that the growing baby has the oxygen he or she needs to breathe, and any blood lost during the birthing process will be less traumatic for the mom.

By the end of her second trimester, a pregnant woman may have twice her usual blood volume. All this extra blood may be the source of the so-called pregnancy "glow." It is definitely the source of a mother-to-be running low on iron as she rushes to make all that extra blood. That's why the National Institutes of Health recommends that pregnant women over the age of 19 consume at least 27 milligrams of iron per day, while the recommended dose for nonpregnant women is only eight mg and lactating women are advised to consume nine mg of iron every day. Taking this amount of iron before and during pregnancy helps ensure there will be enough for both the mother and the baby to have an iron-rich blood supply.

What Else Is in Prenatal Vitamins?

Prenatal supplements may also contain these specific vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin D (600 international units). According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), vitamin D is critical for developing and maintaining eyesight, skin, bones, and teeth. This daily dose of vitamin D is recommended for all women, regardless of pregnancy status.

Calcium (1,000 milligrams). Similarly, the ACOG recommends all women over the age of 18 should consume one gram of calcium per day (younger women need even more: 1,300 milligrams per day). For women who are pregnant, calcium helps make the growing baby's bones strong and healthy.

Zinc (9.5 milligrams). Everyone's body needs a small amount of zinc. Deficiencies lead to poor healing in adults. In pregnant women, zinc deficiency may lead to low birth weight and malformations, so the IOM recommends a slightly higher daily dose of zinc in pregnancy.

Copper (800micrograms). All people require a small amount of copper in their diet, but pregnant women require 800 micrograms, according to the IOM. The right amount of copper is important for all mammals to develop properly.

It's important to remember that vitamins and supplements cannot take the place of a healthy diet. For example, pregnant women should eat multiple servings of fresh green vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Higher doses of certain vitamins might be important for you, depending on your own personal health and health history. Talking with your doctor can help you determine any other specific vitamins and supplements that you might need based on your situation.

The early weeks of pregnancy are important to the development of your baby. If you're trying to get pregnant or think there's a chance you may become pregnant, work with your doctor to ensure that your vitamins are filling the right needs in your diet.

Dr. Sheyna Gifford has been involved in research since 1997, in health care since 2003, in biotechnology since 2005, and in professional science and health communications since 2013. She holds bachelors degrees in neuroscience and English, masters degree in biotechnology and science journalism, and a doctorate in medicine. Sheyna is working on an MBA in healthcare management, and aiming for a career in health policy and health care administration, where excellent communication can lead to better patient outcomes, reduced cost, and better doctor and patient satisfaction.